From an academic foundation to making history in table tennis, it's difficult to encapsulate how far hard work and dedication can lead. A tale of resilience and determination is weaved by the latest phenomenon of table tennis, Krittwika Sinha Roy.

In her recent conversation with Parallel Sports, the Mixed Doubles Champion of the 2024 World Table Tennis Feeder in Caracas unveiled the mysteries of her journey, sharing inspiring stories of resilience, struggles, triumph, and her ambitions for the future.

Krittwika, while talking about her motivation in table tennis, stated, “It was my mother's desire to let me and my brother opt for the game. We are totally from academic backgrounds, so she wanted both of us to do something other than studies. Later on, the game became a part of me. It is everything to me now, given me recognition, life lessons, money, and most importantly, Harmeet. It also acts as a stress buster in my tough and rough days.”

Krittwika also provided insight into her disciplined routine, describing her day starting early at 6:30 a.m. with table practice and fitness training, followed by service practice and more table practice in the evening. “We watch each other's game. When harmeet is not around, I send him my practice videos. He rectifies the flaws and also gives me sequences to practice.He teaches me techniques, which he learns from his foreign coach. Likewise, I try to fix him with my strengths.”

While talking about her struggles, Krittwika revealed, “During COVID, my mother passed away, and we both were like soulmates, so it was extremely difficult for me to accept, which led me to havoc depression and that caused physical ailments last year. I still have rough days; it is not that I am fully recovered from the loss. I am under medication and get blood tests done each month.I read lots and lots of psychological books.I watched motivational movies, and most importantly, being alone and understanding myself was something that helped me get better. Even now, when I don't feel emotionally well, I try to be in solitude.

Krittwika Sinha Roy and her husband, Harmeet Desai, have made history as a table tennis power couple. Married just two years ago, the couple has already achieved something remarkable —a mixed doubles gold on the international stage. Krittwika highlighted the determination and teamwork and their unique bond both on and off the court.

Reflecting on the synergy as double partners, she stated, “We have a very contrasting game.We understood each other's game and prepared the strategies accordingly.” 

Balancing personal and professional life is often challenging, but Krittwika finds strength in her relationship with Harmeet. She stated, "Actually, being married to Harmeet, I feel extremely grateful. I think no other person could understand each other this well. Being a player, we are away from the family almost 80 percent of the year, and a commoner cannot understand this.” 

"Also, the mentality of a sportsman is quite different to that of a normal person. We are quite flexible mentally, we are emotionally strong, and we have the scope of exploring the world and experiencing different things. So technically I don't really have to balance anything; it is a boon to get married to a fellow player. Of course there are differences in opinions, but we accepted that we are different persons, we are human beings and not perfect, and we try to support the best way we can.”

While sharing her future goals after her recent success, she notified that, “Well, I am not setting any bigger goals for myself. My prime goal is to remain physically healthy each month.To continue playing happily like I did before. To improve every day as a person and a player. I think if I work on the process, results will follow later. I need to train and improve and play as many tournaments as possible to understand the opponent's and my game.”

Krittwika Sinha Roy’s journey is a testament to strength and self-discovery. Overcoming profound loss while achieving international success alongside her husband, she exemplifies the power of determination. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that true achievement comes from inner growth and perseverance.